Dear Hornet Family,
What is Disability Pride Month? Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July to honor the history, achievements, and unique experiences of the disability community. It promotes awareness of the pride felt by disabled people. Disability Pride Month coincides with the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was groundbreaking, ensuring equal opportunities and access to employment, public spaces and transportation, buildings and other commercial facilities, and telecommunications and digital and online access. The ADA is a landmark civil rights law and the world’s first legislation specifically designed to address discrimination based on disability.
This historical moment set a standard that served as a model for other countries to enact protections for disabled individuals.
Sacramento State and Disability Pride
While the ADA is celebrating its 34th anniversary at the national level, we would like to take a moment to recognize the resources and services available at Sacramento State that continue the important work of ensuring compliance and accessibility for our disabled students, faculty, staff, and community members.
The Disability Access Center
Formerly known as Services for Students with Disabilities, the Disability Access Center (DAC) ensures qualified students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations at Sac State. Their vision is to equip students with tools that foster positive disability identity, independence, and self-advocacy, which prepares them for more enriched lives. Last year, the DAC established the Disability Cultural Center (DCC) to enhance access and inclusion, providing a welcoming space for disabled students to gather and learn.
The Office for Equal Opportunity, Disability, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The Office for Equal Opportunity partnered with disabled sex therapist Kaleigh Trace in April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to provide education about intimacy aids, healthy sexual relationships, and informed consent.
Sensory Accommodations
This past spring, the DAC hosted its first Low Sensory Graduation Ceremony for disabled graduates at The WELL, extending the calming comforts of the permanent Sensory Room in the DCC to this special celebration. Sac State also offered a low-sensory room during the 2024 Commencement at the Golden 1 Center. The room featured fidget devices, coloring posters, squishy chairs, ambient light, and a low-noise space for graduates and attendees who might have felt overwhelmed by the cacophony of sounds and the multitude of lights.
Looking Forward
Inclusive Excellence is excited about our upcoming plans to enhance disability awareness and pride at Sac State. This year, we will focus on assessing the needs of our disabled communities and promoting belonging, ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff feel at home on our campus. Our efforts will include collaborations across various Sac State offices and departments to create a better understanding of accessibility versus compliance, and the needs surrounding both. We will also build resources that explore the history of disability rights and activism, highlighting the experiences of disabled scholars, activists, leaders, and artists. By prioritizing accessibility and amplifying the voices of disabled individuals, we aim to create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment for all.
We are thrilled to see our campus community’s continued dedication to raising awareness and enhancing accessibility and inclusion for our disabled students, staff, faculty, and allies. Your collaboration and ideas are essential as we continue to make Sac State a welcoming and inclusive destination for everyone. Join us in creating an even more inclusive environment for disabled individuals!
In solidarity,
Dr. Michael V. Nguyen
Chief Diversity Officer (interim)
